PEORIA — A winter storm that prompted travel warnings, flight cancellations and school closures fell short of snowfall expectations Wednesday but still helped the 2013-14 season inch toward the record books.

The 5.6 inches measured by the National Weather Service in Lincoln increases the city’s seasonal snowfall total to 37.1 inches — 0.6 inches shy of the bottom slot on the top 10 list for snowiest winters.

That milestone could be achieved this weekend with light snow once again in the forecast, according to the weather service. Before then — as has become the painfully familiar pattern this winter — a blast of cold air along with the wind chill will send temperatures plummeting into negative territory.

“After each of these snow systems, the Arctic air mass moves in,” said meteorologist Kirk Huettl, adding relief is in sight. “Hopefully, as we get close to Valentine’s Day, we’ll break out of this pattern.”

The powdery snow that blew into the area on swirling winds from Tuesday night through Wednesday wreaked havoc on rural roadways, where large drifts formed. Vehicles that slid into ditches encountered several inches of snow packed beneath the fresh powder and were often unable to get back on course without assistance.

“If you do go off into a ditch, you’re probably going to be stuck,” Huettl said.

Illinois State Police in the five-county region that comprises District 8 had handled 86 calls for motorist assistance and nine crashes by late Wednesday afternoon. Safety education officer Dustin Pierce warned motorists to remain vigilant even as road conditions improved.

“The problem now is there are many areas where snow is blowing across the interstate,” Pierce wrote in a release. “Motorists are speeding up, thinking the roads are in good shape and then running into these areas at higher speeds.”

Gen. Wayne A. Downing Peoria International Airport had two cancelled flights — both from similarly snow-packed Chicago — but kept the snow from deterring any more travel plans.

“Runways are in good shape. We have blowing and drifting, but that’s manageable,” said Gene Olson, director of airports. “Other than that, we’re doing OK.”

Thursday will be mostly sunny and cold, with a high near 3. It will feel like it is between 14 below zero and 24 below zero. The low will be about 9 below zero, with a wind chill of about the same as during the day.

The temperature will rise to about 12 Friday, with wind chills between 14 below zero and 24 below zero. The low will drop to about 3 Friday night.

A snow system that moves into the area over the weekend could bring 1 to 2 more inches of snow, followed once again by severe cold and wind.

Page 2 of 2 - Matt Buedel can be reached at 686-3154 or mbuedel@pjstar.com. Follow him on Twitter @JournoBuedel.